After Michigan synagogue attack, San Diego police ramp up patrols at religious centers

The San Diego Police Department will provide an intensified presence around places of worship throughout the city in the immediate aftermath of Thursday’s deadly shooting during an attack at a Midwest synagogue, the city agency advised.

San Diego police said in an online post it was aware of the attack at the religious temple northwest of downtown Detroit and would be increasing patrols at places of worship as a precaution.

“Our goal is to ensure all members of our religious communities here in San Diego are safe to gather and practice their faith,” the statement said.

SDPD said its officers were always in communication with religious institutions and cultural centers and Thursday’s patrols were an addition meant to “ensure folks that we are there and are paying attention to what’s going on,” a spokesperson told NBC 7.

On Thursday afternoon, a man rammed a truck through the front doors of the synagogue and then exchanged gunfire with a security guard, said Michael Bouchard, sheriff of Oakland County, Michigan.

The assailant was killed in the shootout, and the guard suffered non- life-threatening injuries from being struck by the attacker’s vehicle, the sheriff told news crews.

No members of the temple, which includes a childcare center, were hurt during the ordeal, officials said.

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